[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 10, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10240-S10243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 G.V. (SONNY) MONTGOMERY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER

  Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Veterans' 
Affairs Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. 1669, 
and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (S. 1669) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     medical center in Jackson, Mississippi, as the ``G. V. 
     (Sonny) Montgomery Department of Veterans Affairs Medical 
     Center.''

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the immediate 
consideration of the bill?
  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I am privileged to have introduced S. 1669, 
along with Senator Thad Cochran, to name the VA medical center in 
Jackson, MS, in honor of our friend and colleague, Representative Sonny 
Montgomery. A companion bill, H.R. 3253, was introduced by 
Representative Mike Parker, and it has already passed the House.
  As many of you know, Congressman Montgomery is retiring at the end of 
his current term after 30 illustrious years in the House. He has had a 
distinguished career and served under seven Presidents. ``Mr. 
Veteran,'' as many of us have affectionately called Sonny, led efforts 
to obtain Cabinet-level status for the Department of Veterans Affairs. 
He introduced and guided to passage a peacetime GI education bill which 
provides incentives for both recruitment and retention of qualified 
young men and women for the Armed Forces. This landmark legislation 
bears his name as the Montgomery GI bill.
   Congressman Montgomery has strongly championed the State Veterans 
Affairs nursing homes. He has done yeoman's service for veterans as 
chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and as a distinguished 
member of the House National Security Committee. Veterans throughout 
the Nation have benefited greatly from the outstanding resources 
provided by VA facilities established and improved under Sonny's watch. 
In particular, veterans from Mississippi, and neighboring States, are 
well served by the Veterans Benefits Administration Southern Area 
Office, the VA Regional Office, and two VA medical centers made 
possible by the chairman's able hand.
  The VA medical center in Jackson definitely needs an official name. 
Others have distinguished names such as the Sam Rayburn VA, the Jerry 
Pettis VA, and the James Haley Veterans Hospital. Unquestionably, 
Representative Sonny Montgomery, Congress' ``Mr. Veteran,'' truly is 
well-deserving of having the Jackson VA Medical Center named in his 
honor.
  It is very appropriate that this legislation comes before us now 
because of several events that are occurring to pay tribute to Sonny. 
Representative Montgomery is being honored this week by his colleagues 
on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee for his dedicated service. 
Also, Mississippi State University, the chairman's alma mater, is 
hosting a benefit dinner for him. Proceeds from this benefit will 
establish the Sonny Montgomery Scholars Program at MSU. Furthermore, 
House colleagues have made arrangements to plant a magnolia tree on the 
southeast corner of the Capitol Grounds as a living testimony of 
Sonny's many years of service and outstanding achievements.
  Mr. President, Sonny is one of the most outstanding, revered, and 
beloved Members of Congress. Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Alan 
Simpson is a cosponsor of S. 1669, and strongly supports this measure. 
I urge my colleagues to join with me in this fitting tribute to our 
friend and colleague, Representative G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery.

[[Page S10241]]

  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record 
a ``Dear Colleague'' letter dated May 9, 1996.
  There being no objection, the letter was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                                      U.S. Senate,


                               Russell Senate Office Building,

                                      Washington, DC, May 9, 1996.
       Dear Colleague: I am privileged to have recently introduced 
     S. 1669, along with Sen. Thad Cochran, to name the Department 
     of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Jackson, MS, in honor 
     of our friend and colleague, Rep. G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery. A 
     companion bill has been introduced in the House.
       As many of you know, Congressman Montgomery is retiring at 
     the end of his current term after 30 illustrious years in the 
     House. He has had a distinguished career and served under 
     seven presidents. ``Mr. Veteran'', as many of us have 
     affectionately called Sonny, lead efforts to obtain cabinet 
     level status for the VA. He introduced and guided to passage 
     a peacetime G.I. education bill which provides incentives for 
     both recruitment and retention of qualified young men and 
     women for the armed forces. This landmark legislation bears 
     his name as the Montgomery G.I. Bill.
       Additionally, Congressman Montgomery has strongly supported 
     veterans programs such as the State Veterans Affairs Nursing 
     Homes. He has done yeoman's service for veterans as chairman 
     of the Veterans Affairs Committee and as a distinguished 
     member of the House National Security Committee. Veterans 
     throughout the Nation have benefited greatly from the 
     outstanding resources provided by VA facilities established 
     and improved under Sonny's watch. In particular, veterans 
     from Mississippi, and neighboring states, are well served by 
     the Veterans Benefits Administration Southern Area Office, 
     the VA Regional Office, and two VA Medical Centers made 
     possible by the chairman's able hand.
       The VA Medical Center in Jackson needs an official name. 
     Others have distinguished names such as the Sam Rayburn VA, 
     the Jerry Pettis VA, and the James Haley Veterans Hospital. 
     Rep. Sonny Montgomery, Congress' ``Mr. Veteran'' truly is 
     well-deserving of having the Jackson VA Medical Center named 
     in his honor.
       I would appreciate your joining me in support of S. 1669. 
     Please call Ney Williams of my staff at 224-4553 to 
     cosponsor. Thank you for your consideration, and with kind 
     regards, I am
           Sincerely yours,
                                                       Trent Lott.

  Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague in 
honoring our friend, the gentleman from Mississippi, Sonny Montgomery, 
who is retiring from the House of Representatives at the end of this 
Congress. We have joined in sponsoring this bill to name the VA medical 
center in Jackson, MS, the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery Department of 
Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Throughout his career, as a senior 
member of the House National Security Committee and as chairman of the 
Veterans' Affairs Committee, Sonny has demonstrated genuine concern for 
the health, education, and well-being of our Nation's veterans. He 
firmly believes that we should treat veterans with dignity and 
compassion, and he has worked hard as chairman of the Veterans' Affairs 
Committee to enact programs and provide facilities to meet that 
obligation.
  Sonny's concern for and attention to the men and women of our Armed 
Forces is firmly rooted in his own experiences, having served in the 
Army and Army National Guard for a total of 38 years. Sonny served in 
World War II and during the Korean War. As a dedicated member of the 
Mississippi Army National Guard, he was promoted to the rank of major 
general before his retirement in 1981.

  Sonny's political career began as a member of the Mississippi State 
Senate from Lauderdale County. He served with distinction for 10 years, 
from 1956-1966. In 1966, he ran for and won the seat in Congress from 
the Third District of Mississippi. Sonny has proven to be a very 
capable, productive, and popular Representative. He was overwhelmingly 
reelected each term since the 90th Congress.
  During that 30-year period of service he has earned the reputation of 
a champion of national defense and veterans' issues, and he often is 
referred to by his colleagues as ``Mr. Veteran'' or ``Mr. National 
Guard.''
  When Sonny was elected to Congress in 1966, American soldiers were 
fighting in the war in Vietnam. He demonstrated his concern for those 
who were involved in that dangerous and deadly region by spending 
Christmas each year in Vietnam with the soldiers.
  On these trips, Sonny would carry blank cards with him and when he 
ran into young soldiers from Mississippi, he would ask them to write 
the names and addresses of their families on these cards. When Sonny 
returned home he would take the time to call each soldier's family to 
let them know that he had seen their son or daughter and relay any 
stories or news that might interest them. Today, people still thank 
Sonny for these phone calls.
  In 1975 he was appointed chairman of the House Select Committee on 
Missing Persons in Southeast Asia. In 1977, President Carter named him 
to the Woodstock Commission, which traveled to Hanoi to investigate 
further, those Americans missing in action. More recently, Sonny was a 
member of the delegation that brought back the first returned remains 
of United States personnel missing in North Korea during the Korean 
war.
  Sonny Montgomery stands as an example of a true patriot, and for this 
he has been recognized by his colleagues many times. In 1984, the 
Speaker of the House asked that he lead the House contingent to the 
commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the D-day Invasion at 
Normandy, a particularly appropriate designation because Sonny fought 
in the European theater during this war. In 1988, when the reciting of 
the Pledge of Allegiance was instituted as daily practice by the House 
of Representatives, Sonny was asked by the Speaker to be the first 
Member to lead this body in the Pledge.
  Throughout our time together as members of our State's congressional 
delegation, I have had the opportunity to observe Sonny in many 
situations. A most recent instance was during the last round of base 
closure and realignment. Two of the bases in his district were 
considered for closure, one of which had been on the closure list in 
two previous rounds. Sonny was most persuasive and successful in 
convincing the Base Closure Commission that Naval Air Station Meridian 
and Columbus Air Force Base are essential to the pilot training in both 
of those services. Sonny was willing to do everything he could to keep 
these bases open. Today, these bases remain open, largely due to the 
efforts of Sonny Montgomery.

  As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, now named 
the National Security Committee, Sonny Montgomery has been a tremendous 
influence on our national defense policy. He has consistently supported 
the maintenance of a strong force.
  Sonny was one of seven Democrats who in early 1994 paid a visit to 
President Clinton to insist on increased defense spending by his 
administration, particularly in the area of military pay, and to urge 
him to reduce nondefense spending by the Department of Defense. Sonny 
has always considered the protection of our freedom to be the highest 
priority of our Government, and he has done his best to ensure our 
national security.
  Because of Sonny Montgomery, the National Guard and Reserves are 
different services than they were 25 years ago. As a member of the 
Mississippi Army National Guard Sonny saw untapped potential in the 
Guard and Reserve forces, and as a senior member of the National 
Security Committee, he has strengthened our reserve component forces in 
significant ways. Over and over again, Sonny insisted that in order for 
the Guard and Reserves to be truly ready reserve forces, they must have 
first-line equipment, top facilities, and more serious training. As we 
saw in the gulf war, our Guard and Reserves have now been transformed 
into an essential component of our total forces. In addition, Sonny has 
always emphasized the need to keep the missions of each Guard unit 
relevant.
  Recently, Sonny negotiated with officials at the Pentagon in order to 
reassign the duties of a National Guard battalion in east Mississippi, 
which might have been considered for closure. Instead, this battalion 
will be the first Guard unit in the Nation to be equipped with and 
train on the high-technology Avenger air defense system, a key weapon 
in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Our active forces will be 
better supported by contributions from National Guard units in the 
future because of Sonny Montgomery.
  Another high priority for him has been the recruitment and retention 
of soldiers; and out of this concern came

[[Page S10242]]

the GI bill which bears his name. Sonny considers this legislation to 
be his greatest accomplishment. Under the Montgomery GI bill, active 
duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel are entitled to educational 
assistance benefits which would enable them to pursue their educational 
goals while serving our country. Since being passed into law in 1985, 
approximately 2 million military personnel have participated in the 
program, and over 550,000 have already attended schools with its 
assistance. The Montgomery GI bill has significantly improved 
recruiting efforts for all of the services, and it has provided much-
needed training to veterans and retirees preparing to enter the work 
force.

  In addition to protecting our national security, Sonny has 
consistently sought proper recognition and benefits for veterans. In 
the 100th Congress, Sonny fought to have the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs elevated to a Cabinet-level position. When Sonny saw a need to 
improve the review of veterans' claims, he sponsored a bill to 
establish the Court of Veterans' Appeals in order to ensure the 
complete judicial review of each claim. Within a month, this bill was 
signed into law, and right away veterans saw needed changes in the 
claims process. Also, he has worked to streamline the services offered 
at regional service centers and hospitals, aiming toward providing, in 
effect, one-stop shopping for our veterans.
  During the last Congress, Sonny authored legislation to extend 
compensation to our most recent veterans, those who fought in the 
Persian Gulf war. The Veterans' Persian Gulf War Benefits Act, now law, 
requires the VA to give priority to veterans suffering from undiagnosed 
illnesses after their service in the Persian Gulf region. The bill also 
established new research and outreach programs to further the 
identification of this disease. This legislation is just another 
demonstration of his belief that we have a moral obligation to care for 
and compensate those who have suffered disabling injuries during their 
service to our country.
  While in the Army and for his efforts in service to military 
personnel and veterans of our country, Sonny has received many awards, 
including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat 
Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, a Bronze Star for Valor, and 
Mississippi Magnolia Cross Award, and the Harry S. Truman Award, which 
is the highest award given by the National Guard Association of the 
United States. In addition, he has been recognized by the American Red 
Cross, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Reserve Officers Association 
of the United States, and AMVETS of World War II. He is past president 
of the Mississippi National Guard Association, and he remains an active 
member of the American Legion and VFW Post 79 in Meridian, MS. 
Veterans' organizations across the country are saddened to see Sonny 
retire.
  Above all of Sonny's legislative accomplishments, he must be 
recognized and appreciated for his patience, congeniality, and 
compassion. Having maintained so many friendships in both parties, 
Sonny has often been called to be a mediator. He has been on good terms 
with Republican and Democrat leaders in Congress and Presidents of both 
parties throughout four decades, and his friendship with former 
President Bush goes back to their days as freshmen in the House. His 
peers regard him as a respected friend, who is wholly dedicated to his 
purpose in office. A small example of his loyalty is evidenced by the 
number of hours he has logged in the Speaker's chair, a duty many 
consider drudgery, but something that Sonny has viewed as an 
opportunity to serve his fellow Members.
  I will miss his good counsel and true friendship. Mississippi's Third 
District and the entire Nation will miss his strong leadership and 
clear vision. Members like Sonny are rare, and his leaving signals the 
end of an era for southern Democrats, and the House of Representatives 
as well.
  I am pleased to join my colleague, Senator Lott, in offering S. 1669, 
a bill to name the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 
Jackson, MS, for Sonny Montgomery, and I urge all of my colleagues to 
support the renaming of this facility.
  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. President, in reflecting on my own lifetime of 
public service, I can think of no one whose sincere dedication to 
veterans, combined with the ability to transform that dedication into a 
concrete reality, exceeds that of my old and dear friend G.V. ``Sonny'' 
Montgomery.
  We all know why the Montgomery GI bill carries Sonny Montgomery's 
name. It's not just an honor, it is a clear depiction of reality. What 
some Members of this body may not realize is that Sonny Montgomery's 
interests and everlasting impact extend far beyond the veterans' 
education benefit that carries his name.
  There is no path down which a veteran may travel that hasn't been 
scouted first and smoothed and improved by the Congressman from 
Mississippi, Sonny Montgomery.
  There is no benefit provided to our veterans by a grateful nation 
that does not bear the imprint of the longtime chairman, and now 
ranking minority member, of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 
Sonny Montgomery.
  The rules of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs limit 
proposals to name VA facilities to the names of individuals who are 
deceased. As we consider the measure before us today, some may wonder 
what has occurred to amend that standard.
  If such a person were to exist, I could assume that they do not know 
the stirring 30-year record of service and legislation written by Sonny 
Montgomery. If such a question is raised, I will only say to the 
inquirer that exceptional service calls for exceptional action and that 
such an action also calls for an exception to the rule. This is such a 
time. A rule that would prohibit application of the name G.V. Sonny 
Montgomery to the VA Medical Center in Jackson, MS, is a rule begging 
to be temporarily laid aside--in sheer gratitude from us all.
  In fact, Sonny Montgomery is the dominant presence in the world of 
veterans' affairs and the genial and generous shadow he casts extends 
far beyond the boundaries of the State of Mississippi. An honor limited 
only to his native State of Mississippi is an honor quite inadequate to 
describe his full legacy.
  In reflecting on the full and honest career and commitment of the 
senior Congressman from Mississippi, I conclude that if honors truly 
reflected accomplishment, we would likely have to name the whole 
shooting match of the Department of Veterans Affairs after Sonny 
Montgomery.
  When Sonny Montgomery leaves us in the Congress and returns to his 
beloved home as a private citizen he will leave behind an unmatched 
legacy of unselfish commitment and service. He will leave behind shoes 
that it would take a giant to fill. The only way that veterans may not 
benefit in the future from the career of Sonny Montgomery will be if 
the height of the bar he set is up there so high that those who follow 
him may be discouraged by the fact that it will be so difficult to 
equal, much less exceed, his remarkable record. Sonny Montgomery will 
serve as an example to generations of all legislators to come. I am so 
very proud to join in supporting legislation to recognize an example, 
and a career, and a wonderful, never tiring, ever focused, lovely, 
kind, incomparable man, by ensuring that the VA Medical Center in 
Jackson, MS, will forever carry the name that his actions have made 
synonymous with love of veterans: G.V. Sonny Montgomery.
  I love him. He has saved my skin a time or two. He is my true friend. 
God bless him.
  I thank the Chair.
  Mr. SHELBY. I ask unanimous consent the bill be deemed read a third 
time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and 
that any statements relating to the bill appear at this point in the 
Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The bill (S. 1669) was deemed read for a third time and passed, as 
follows:

                                S. 1669

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. NAME OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL 
                   CENTER, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI.

       (a) Name.--The Department of Veterans Affairs medical 
     center in Jackson, Mississippi, shall be known and designated 
     as the ``G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Medical Center''. Any reference to such medical 
     center in any law,

[[Page S10243]]

     regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the 
     United States shall be considered to be a reference to the 
     G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery Department of Veterans Affairs 
     Medical Center.
       (b) Effective Date.--Subsection (a) shall take effect at 
     noon on January 3, 1997.

                          ____________________